Tree Risk Assessment.
Know Your Trees.
Know Your Risk.
-
Trees are valuable, but defects, decay, structural weaknesses, and changing site conditions can create hazards to people and property. For homeowners, an assessment can help determine whether a concerning tree actually needs removal or whether pruning, monitoring, or other mitigation may reduce the risk. For businesses and property managers, documented inspections can help identify hazards, prioritize maintenance, protect people and property, and demonstrate that reasonable attention has been given to tree-related risks. Ignoring known or reasonably observable hazards can increase the potential for property damage, injury, and liability. A professional assessment doesn't eliminate the possibility of tree failure or guarantee safety, but it provides a documented basis for making informed risk-management decisions.
At Branching Out Tree & Yard Care, our tree risk assessments are performed by an ISA Certified Arborist and ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) professional using recognized ISA tree risk assessment principles. Our goal isn't simply to determine whether a tree should be removed — it's to understand the risk and identify practical ways to manage it.
-
Level 1 — Limited Visual A quick screening used to identify obvious hazards or determine which trees require further assessment. Ideal for large properties, storm inspections, or preliminary evaluations.
Level 2 — Basic Visual The most common assessment for individual trees. We systematically inspect the tree and surrounding area for defects, structural concerns, targets, and other factors affecting risk. This can be documented using the ISA Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form (TRAQ form).
Level 3 — Advanced Used when a Level 2 assessment cannot answer an important question. May involve climbing, detailed inspections, or specialized diagnostic equipment to investigate suspected defects or decay.
-
There are three different options for transferring the information:
Verbal Assessment - A straightforward professional opinion for homeowners who want to understand a tree's condition and what, if anything, should be done.
Written Assessment — TRAQ Form A documented Level 2 assessment recording the tree's condition, observed defects, risk factors, recommendations, and other relevant information.
Comprehensive Report - Detailed documentation for situations where a more thorough record is important, such as commercial properties, property transactions, insurance or legal matters, or complex tree concerns.
-
Pricing is based on two factors: the level of assessment required and the level of documentation requested.
Level 1: Lowest-cost option for a limited visual assessment.
Level 2: Priced higher than Level 1 due to the more detailed inspection and evaluation.
Level 3: Custom pricing based on the complexity and additional investigation required.
Documentation For any assessment level, pricing increases with the amount of documentation required:
Verbal Assessment → Written TRAQ Form → Comprehensive Report
A verbal assessment is the most economical option, while a comprehensive written report requires additional time and documentation and therefore costs more.
Multiple trees and larger properties are priced based on the overall scope of the assessment.